How to Backpack the East Coast Australia: 6 Week Itinerary

When it comes to backpacking the New South Wales (NSW) territory of Australia, there’s a lot to uncover within a limited time frame of a 6-week itinerary.

Known for its many outdoor backpacking activities such as surfing, rock climbing, caving and scuba diving (amongst many others of course), both the coast and smalls towns found more inland offer a plethora of activities and things to see during your 6 week backpacking NSW holiday.

Take a look at these top places to see in the New South Wales territory during a 6-week backpacking trip through the East Coast of Australia.

East Coast Australia Itinerary in 6 Weeks

1) Sydney –

Kicking off with the bustling beauty of Sydney is the hallmark of a promising itinerary for the NSW holiday. Sydney is a city that boasts of sparkling harbors, beautiful parks, and pristine beaches. With a lot of thriving markets and excellent restaurants, a visit to Sydney is worth every penny and stress invested.

You can visit the Zoo, the Sydney opera house or see the famous Harbour Bridge. The jewel in the crown is the visit to the Blue Mountains National Park, a place that is attractive for excursion amongst residents.

2) Snowy Mountains –

In the Snowy Mountains, regardless of the time of visit, there a lot of extreme adventures to do. Activities like fishing, horse riding, mountain biking, hiking, road cycling, and bushwalking are bound to keep you occupied. The towns in the Snowy Mountains also surround the Kosciuszko National Park where you can explore the highest parts of Australia.

In the Snowy Mountains, there are also activities like water sailing, skiing, swimming, and kayaking. There are many activities, and they happen all year round.

3) Hunter Valley –

Hunter Valley nicknamed ‘wine country’ is a serene and beautiful environment. As suggested by its nickname, a place with many wine companies that offers you the opportunity of sampling some of Australia’s finest wines and cuisine. You also have a chance to go on historical tours of the museum and old architecture facilities.

It also boasts of a world-class National Park where there are lots of wildlife and one of Australia’s most beautiful golf courses.

4) Kosciuszko National Park –

The Kosciuszko National Park is the home to Australia’s highest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko, is the largest park in Australia. In the Snowy Mountains, there are a lot to do like snowboarding and skiing although it’s not quite as intense as skiing in Aspen, Colorado. The region is also notable for its steepness and the air that is as clear as crystal.

You can also see the Yarrangobilly Caves, at the northern wing of the park. The caves are five in number and are about 440 million years old. If you are visiting during the warmer months, you can engage in activities like kayaking, camping, mountain biking, rafting, caving, and horse riding.

5) Newcastle –

Newcastle, being amongst the largest cities in the New South Wales territory, and also home to the wine country of Hunter Valley, is a place to be if you want to enjoy beach surfing and a great nightlife. You will also have the chance for day tours to the Hunter Valley wineries.

6) Dorrigo National Park –

Feel the excitement of browsing through towering forest that looks like where dinosaurs once roamed. This wilderness is among the list of ancient World Heritage Sites just like the famous Sagamartha National Park – where you can see Mt. Everest. There is also an opportunity for bird watching, hiking as well as watching silent waterfalls.

7) Byron Bay –

A region known for its alternating healing practices like Yoga, Byron Bay is home to Gaia Retreat and Spa that is located among hills and lush rainforest with packages to help you find inner peace. There are also beaches, a thriving food scene made of local foods and a natural environment coupled with a laid-back lifestyle.

8) Jervis Bay –

Just a three hours’ drive to the south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is renowned for its powder-fine sand and turquoise waters. Experience scuba diving at the Jervis Bay Marine Park, visit the Hyams beach and go camping at the Booderee National Park. These water based activities are among the best in the New South Wales region of Australia and can be enjoyed by nearly all ages – especially travelers who are planning to take a future vacation.

9) Lord Howe Island –

Lord Howe Island is a paradise. It is a destination you must not miss when you are thinking of visiting the NSW for the holidays. With services scheduled all year, Lord Howe Island is a place to take out some time and relax. Notable for its natural environments, breathtaking views and most especially its twin peaks, the island is suitable for biking or hiking as you may also want to discover a lot of the place on foot while traveling with your family.

Activities like snorkeling, diving, swimming, paddle boarding, bird watching, fishing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing are also bound to keep you busy throughout your stay.

10) Kangaroo Valley –

Hidden between Cambewarra and Barrengarry is one of Australia’s jewels. A 2-hour drive from Sydney can get you to this beautiful valley, and its characteristics are silent rivers, picturesque villages, and productive farms. It is a popular place to visit for canoeing, kayaking, golfing or wine sampling.

Would you like to take a 6-week vacation and backpack the East Coast of Australia to explore the beautiful attractions in New South Wales?

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Ron Robbins has been traveling non-stop around the world since the founding day of his blog Active Planet Travels back in June of 2011. He has found most of his professional interests in being a travel blogger, television host, photographer & bizarre food enthusiast. Visit his site and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter to keep up with his latest adventures around the world!